What's one of the most common problem with trailer towing? All together now: the trailer lights! It's an all-too familiar scene. Dad out in the driveway the night before the big family trip, troubleshooting finicky trailer lights and wiring, trying to get them to work before the road trip begins. Worse yet, faulty and nonfunctional trailer lights contribute to accidents and tickets.
Valley Products has come up with a real-time solution to the problem of "towing and not knowing"-that is, running down the highway and not being sure the trailer lights are working properly. The solution not only works well, but includes some pretty high-tech "gee whiz" technology too.
The Smart Trailer Wireless Lighting Monitor keeps the tow vehicle's driver aware of whether or not the trailer's lights (turn signals, brake lights, and marker lights) are working via a transmitter mounted to the trailer tongue and a remote receiver/monitor that mounts in the cockpit of the tow vehicle. The nifty little unit fits any type of trailer fitted with industry-standard "four-flat" or seven-way round connector plugs, and it's easy to install and set up. Most consumers will be able to complete the simple installation in about an hour using common handtools. The installation involves mounting the transmitter unit to the trailer tongue using a drill, a screwdriver, and mounting screws. The mounting bracket and screws are provided in the kit.
The trailer's four-flat (or seven-way) connector plugs into the monitor, and the monitor's connector is plugged to the tow vehicle's connector. Inside the tow vehicle, the installer needs to select a suitable mounting location for the receiver/monitor unit (typically on top of or under the dashboard). The monitor can be mounted using a supplied bracket or Velcro. The receiver plugs into a standard 12V outlet to obtain its power supply from the tow vehicle.
Once connected, the unit takes just a few minutes to calibrate itself to the number and resistance of the trailer's lights, and you're ready to tow. On the dash, the monitor displays LED lights to show that the trailer lights are working properly. The lights are green for regular operation. If a trailer light malfunctions, the transmitter senses the problem and relays the information to the receiver/monitor, and the lights turn red. The unit is highly sensitive and is able to detect and relay a single marker lamp malfunction.
The unit is compact as well as submersible, so it won't be hampered by rain, snow, or even water (as could happen in boat trailers). It is available for both four-flat and seven-round connectors, and for standard incandescent and new LED trailer light applications. Available from accessory dealers nationwide.